Charles told me the papers were being processed. He said there was a delay because of taxes. When the market became successful, he asked me to sign certain forms so he could secure a larger loan. I could not read the legal language well. He said he was only helping.
Charles lowered his head.
Luke whispered, “What did she sign?”
Hannah read the next page.
A transfer of ownership.
The deed had been transferred to a company controlled by Rosalie.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Gemma covered her mouth.
Martin took one step away from his mother.
“You stole it,” Luke said.
Rosalie’s eyes flashed. “Watch your language.”
“You stole her property.”
“It was a business transaction.”
“She could barely read the forms.”
“She signed them.”
Charles’s hand struck the table.
The remaining plates jumped.
“She signed because I lied to her,” he said. “Rosalie drafted the papers. I told Lucía they were loan documents. We took the building, and when she demanded an explanation, Rosalie threatened to report her for operating without the correct permits.”
Hannah lowered the letter.
“Was that true?”
“No,” Charles said.
“Did you know it wasn’t true?”
“Yes.”
“Did you let my mother believe she was about to lose everything?”
Charles’s lips parted. His voice vanished.
Hannah nodded once, as though his silence answered her.
Luke looked at Rosalie. “You did that to her?”
Rosalie lifted her chin. “Your father agreed.”
“I asked my mother.”
“I was protecting our future.”
